What is the MRP designation?

The Military Relocation Professional (MRP) designation is earned by REALTORS® who have completed training on serving military buyers and sellers, including understanding VA loans, PCS moves, and military-specific housing challenges.

Can active-duty military use Florida DPA programs?

Yes. Active-duty service members stationed in Florida who meet income, credit, and first-time buyer requirements can access the same DPA programs available to all eligible Florida buyers.

June 9, 2026

Down Payment Assistance for Veterans in Tampa Bay — VA Loan + DPA Guide

Q: Do veterans need to be first-time buyers for DPA?

For most DPA programs, yes. However, veterans purchasing in federally designated target areas may be exempt from the first-time buyer requirement for certain Florida Housing programs.

By Barrett Henry, REALTOR® & Broker Associate at REMAX Collective

Veterans and active-duty military members in Tampa Bay have a powerful advantage when buying a home: the ability to combine VA loan benefits with Florida down payment assistance programs. This combination can result in a home purchase with virtually zero out-of-pocket costs.

VA Loans and Down Payment Assistance — A Powerful Combination

VA loans already offer zero down payment and no private mortgage insurance. When you layer DPA on top, the assistance funds can go entirely toward closing costs — eliminating nearly all upfront expenses.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA loans are available to veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members with qualifying service, and surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability.

Which DPA Programs Work with VA Loans?

Florida Hometown Heroes can be paired with VA loans. The up to 5% assistance covers closing costs since VA already requires zero down. FL Assist's $10,000 can similarly be applied to closing costs when used with a VA loan. HFA Preferred PLUS also works with VA financing.

Veterans and the First-Time Buyer Requirement

Here is an important exception: according to Florida Housing, veterans purchasing in federally designated target areas may be exempt from the first-time homebuyer requirement for certain DPA programs. This means veterans who currently own a home may still qualify for DPA when buying in these areas.

Tampa Bay Military Community

Tampa Bay has a significant military presence with MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa and numerous veteran communities throughout the region. Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties all have active veteran support networks and housing programs.

How to Get Started

The process starts with obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA, then connecting with a lender who is both VA-approved and Florida Housing-approved. Barrett Henry, REALTOR® with REMAX Collective, holds the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) designation and has 23+ years of real estate experience helping military families. Call (813) 733-7907 to discuss your options.

Find Out Which DPA Programs You Qualify For

Barrett Henry offers free, no-obligation guidance on every down payment assistance program available in Tampa Bay.

(813) 733-7907 Request Free Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Florida DPA programs like Hometown Heroes, FL Assist, and HFA Preferred PLUS can all be paired with VA loans. Since VA loans require zero down, the DPA funds go entirely toward closing costs.

Barrett Henry

REALTOR® & Broker Associate at REMAX Collective

Barrett Henry has 23+ years of real estate experience and specializes in helping Tampa Bay homebuyers find and use down payment assistance programs. REMAX Hall of Fame 2024 recipient.

(813) 733-7907

Free Housing Resources

HUD Counseling: 1-800-569-4287 — Free housing counseling referrals
FHA Resource Center: 1-800-225-5342 — FHA loan questions
HOPE Hotline: 1-888-995-4673 — Foreclosure prevention help

Related Guides

What Is Down Payment Assistance and How Does It Work?

Down payment assistance (DPA) programs help homebuyers cover their down payment through grants, forgivable loans, or deferred-payment second mortgages. Learn how DPA works in Florida.

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Tampa Bay — 2026 Guide

Tampa Bay first-time buyers have access to grants, forgivable loans, and below-market rates. Here are the top programs available in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and surrounding counties.

How Much Down Payment Do You Actually Need to Buy a Home in Tampa Bay?

You may not need 20% down to buy a home in Tampa Bay. FHA loans require 3.5%, and DPA programs can cover most or all of it. Here is what you really need.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. DPA program details, income limits, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Contact a DPA-approved lender for current program terms. Barrett Henry is a licensed REALTOR® and Broker Associate with REMAX Collective. Equal Housing Opportunity.